Savusavu Bay
Savusavu anchorage · Nawi Island anchorage
16°46.74'S 179°20.46'E
Depth
5–15m
Bottom
mud
Alarm Radius
60m
Holding
Excellent
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
60m
60m for excellent holding on mud in 5–15m. Almost fully enclosed bay — one of Fiji's most sheltered anchorages. 60m is generous; in calm settled conditions 45m is sufficient. Cyclone hole quality protection. Mud bottom gives superb holding once anchor is buried.
About This Anchorage
Savusavu Bay on the south coast of Vanua Levu (Fiji's second-largest island) is known as 'Fiji's Hidden Paradise' — a deeply indented bay almost entirely enclosed by green hills, with the hot springs of the town visible bubbling from the shoreline. Savusavu is one of the three official Fiji customs ports of entry — the primary port for vessels arriving from Tonga, Samoa, or Vanuatu from the east. The Copra Shed Marina at Savusavu is a landmark of South Pacific cruising — a converted copra warehouse on the wharf with excellent facilities, a cruisers' café, laundry, and ice. The bay is a recognised cyclone hole — many cruisers shelter here in the November–April season. The town has good provisioning (Morris Hedstrom supermarket, local market), several restaurants, internet, and the famous Savusavu Hot Springs Hotel. The approach from the east through the Somosomo Strait (between Vanua Levu and Taveuni) requires careful navigation with strong tidal currents.
Protected From
N · NE · NW · E · W · S
Exposed To
None (fully sheltered)
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free anchoring; Copra Shed Marina moorings FJD 20–35/night
- Permit required
- Yes
- Permit details
- Customs at Savusavu wharf. Cruising permit obtained after clearance. Lau Group permit from Lau Provincial Council if planning outer Lau visit.
Restrictions: Q flag mandatory until cleared at Savusavu wharf. Customs and immigration mandatory on arrival. Copra Shed Marina manages the inner mooring field. VHF 16 for marina.
Hazards
- !Somosomo Strait approach from east — strong tidal currents up to 4 knots; plan passage for slack water
- !Shoal areas in the outer bay — use chart and marked channel on approach
- !Cyclone season Nov–Apr — bay is a cyclone hole but requires proper mooring or anchor preparation
- !Freshwater run-off after heavy rain can temporarily reduce visibility in the bay
Skipper's Tips
- →Clear customs at the Savusavu wharf before going to the Copra Shed Marina — customs officer is usually available office hours
- →Copra Shed Marina (VHF 16) is the social heart of Savusavu — bulletin board, passage reports, and excellent café
- →Stock up thoroughly at Savusavu before heading to the Lau Group — no provisions in outer Lau
- →The Savusavu Hot Springs Hotel has excellent hot spring baths — a luxury after a long offshore passage
- →The Somosomo Strait tidal current can run at 4 knots — consult the Fiji tide tables and plan arrival for slack water
Facilities
Copra Shed Marina café and bar (excellent cruiser community). Savusavu town: Morris Hedstrom supermarket, local market, restaurants. Hot springs accessible from town. Good provisioning for Lau Group passage.
Nearest provisions: Savusavu town (Morris Hedstrom supermarket) (0.3nm)
Best Months & Season
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
May–October preferred. Year-round anchorage — cyclone hole quality protection. Most Pacific passage-makers arrive or depart Fiji via Savusavu.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 60m
In remote Lau Group and Vanua Levu waters, anchor drag with no assistance available is extremely serious. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS continuously — the most important piece of safety equipment in the remote Pacific.
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